Wimbledon will follow the US and Aussie Opens in implementing replay systems.
Video review systems will be launched at The Championships this year.
Athletes will gain the ability to challenge particular rulings from the official, echoing the protocol currently in operation at each of the US Open and the Australian Open.
This technology is slated for use on Centre Court and the number one court throughout the Championships and on the other four featured courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This development arrives only a season following the All England Club implemented electronic line calling, which brought an end to the centuries-old role of line officials.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Competitors will not be permitted to challenge the call of the ELC system, but they can request the umpire to re-examine other decisions, including:
- Whether a tennis ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a shot touched an opponent's racquet or body on the way past.
- Potential hindrance at the conclusion of a point.
Notably, there will be no cap on the amount of reviews a player can initiate.
Practical Application
A recent incident occurred in Indian Wells last week, where a top player initiated the video challenge against Jack Draper.
The British player conceded it was a tough call for the official, but thought his opponent had "played the rules quite well."
The umpire watched a replay and ruled Draper was guilty of hindrance, awarding the rally to his opponent.
Wider Implementation
This technology aren't new for Grand Slams. The system was adopted at the American major since 2023 and the Australian Open this year.
Furthermore, it is increasingly prevalent on the women’s WTA Tour, and by next season the ATP circuit will have the system implemented at all of its events.
Further Updates
A further change at Wimbledon 2025 involves the introduction of graphical cues on displays to support the verbal announcements from the ELC system.
This addresses situations where the crowd have sometimes been uncertain whether a shot was in or out.
Finally, with exactly a century of days to go until the beginning of the tournament, organizers have also announced an increase in daily capacity at the qualifiers in Roehampton.
